Boots with spur stability system

ABSTRACT

Boots with spur stability systems are disclosed herein. A spur stability system can be configured to couple with a boot having an upper and an outsole, where the spur stability system includes at least one strap stability structure that is configured to resist motion of a spur strap relative to the boot when a spur is operatively attached to the boot with the spur strap. The spur stability system can have an upper strap coupled to the spur, in contact with at least one stability structure on the external surface of the upper. The spur stability system can additionally have a lower strap coupled to the spur, in contact with at least one stability structure on the external surface of the outsole.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional patentapplication 61/825,873 and U.S. provisional patent application No.61/825,864, both filed on May 21, 2013, which are hereby incorporated byreference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure is directed to footwear, and more particularly toboots that include a spur stability system.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Wearers of western and/or equestrian boots often may utilize spurs,which are tools that may be operatively attached, or coupled, to thewearer's boot and positioned for engaging and/or directing a horse.Spurs typically have a yoke that wraps partially around a rear portionof the boot and that is attached to the boot by one or more straps. Thisyoke additionally or alternatively may be referred to as a band or aheel band. While a wearer is riding a horse, the spurs may move and/ortranslate relative to the wearer's boot, thereby decreasing theireffectiveness. Thus, there exists a need for boots with a spur stabilitysystem.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A spur stability system as disclosed herein can be configured to couplewith a boot having an upper and an outsole, where the spur stabilitysystem includes at least one strap stability structure that isconfigured to resist motion of a spur strap relative to the boot when aspur is operatively attached to the boot with the spur strap. The spurstability system can have an upper strap coupled to the spur or spuryoke, in contact with at least one stability structure on the externalsurface of the upper. The spur stability system can additionally have alower strap coupled to the spur or spur yoke, in contact with at leastone stability structure on the external surface of the outsole.

Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of systems and methods according tothe present disclosure are presented below. In some embodiments, a bootcan include an upper that defines a shaft and a shell which isconfigured to receive a wearer's foot, an outsole that is operativelyattached to the upper and configured to contact a ground surface whenthe wearer wears the boot, and a spur stability system that includes atleast one strap stability structure that is configured to resist motionof a spur strap relative to the boot when a spur is operatively attachedto the boot with the spur strap. In some aspects, the boot strapstability structure can include an upper strap stability structure thatis either or both (i) operatively attached to the upper and (ii) forms aportion of the upper. In other aspects, the upper strap stabilitystructure is configured to resist motion of an upper spur strap that,when present, extends across the upper in contact with the upper strapstability structure. In further aspects, the upper strap stabilitystructure can extend from a surface of the upper to contact one or moreupper spur straps. In some aspects, the strap stability structure caninclude a lower strap stability structure that is either or both (i)operatively attached to the outsole and (ii) forms a portion of theoutsole.

In some aspects a boot having a lower strap stability structure can beconfigured to resist motion of a lower spur strap that, when present,extends across the outsole in contact with the lower strap stabilitystructure. In other aspects, the lower strap stability structure canextend from a surface of the outsole to contact a/the lower spur strap.In further aspects, the spur stability system can include a spur restthat is configured to support a yoke of the spur. In some aspects, aboot having a spur rest can be located at least partially between theyoke and the outsole when the spur is operatively attached to the boot.In other aspects, the spur rest is sized to resist motion toward theoutsole by a portion of the yoke that is in contact with the spur seat.In further aspects, the spur rest can be defined by a protrusion thatextends from a surface of the boot. In some aspects, the boot canfurther include an abrasion-resistant toe region that is selected toresist damage to a toe region of the boot. In such aspects, theabrasion-resistant toe region can be formed from an abrasion-resistantmaterial that is operatively attached to the upper. In further aspects,the abrasion-resistant toe region can be formed from a differentmaterial than (at least a portion of) a remainder of the upper.

In some aspects, a boot having a strap stability structure can bedefined by a stability structure material that is selected to have ahigh coefficient of static friction with the spur strap. In suchaspects, a coefficient of static friction between the stabilitystructure material and the spur strap is at least a threshold multiplelarger than a coefficient of static friction between a remainder of theupper and the spur strap, where the threshold multiple can be at least2, at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 8, or atleast 10 times larger than the coefficient of static friction betweenthe remainder of the upper and the spur strap. In some aspects, thestrap stability structure is formed from at least one of a resilientmaterial, a flexible material, an abrasion-resistant material, and ahigh-friction material. In other aspects, the strap stability structureis formed from a material that is either or both (i) grips the spurstrap, and (ii) conforms to a surface of the spur strap. In furtheraspects, the strap stability structure can be formed from at least oneof a polymeric material and an elastomeric material. In some aspects,the strap stability structure defines any one or a combination of (i) aplurality of raised projections, (ii) a plurality of raised ribs, and(iii) a plurality of raised ridges. In some aspects, the strap stabilitystructure can be configured to be compressed between the spur strap andthe boot.

These and other features, aspects, and advantages are described belowwith reference to the following drawings, and will become betterunderstood when the following detailed description is read withreference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of illustrative, non-exclusiveexamples of a boot that includes a spur stability system according tothe present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a schematic representation of illustrative, non-exclusiveexamples of the boot of FIG. 1 with an attached spur.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of non-exclusive examples of a sideview of a boot that includes a spur stability system according to thepresent disclosure.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of a non-exclusive example of anopposed side view of the boot of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a non-exclusive example of a topview of a toe region of the boot of FIGS. 3-4.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a non-exclusive example of anupper strap stability structure according to the present disclosure.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of non-exclusive examples of an outersurface of an outsole that includes a lower strap stability structureaccording to the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Throughout this description for the purposes of explanation, numerousspecific details are set forth in order to provide a thoroughunderstanding of the many embodiments disclosed herein. It will beapparent, however, to one skilled in the art that the many embodimentsmay be practiced without some of these specific details. In otherinstances, well-known structures and devices are shown in diagram orschematic form to avoid obscuring the underlying principles of thedescribed embodiments.

Western-style and equestrian boots often use spurs, which are tools thatcan be mechanically attached or coupled to a boot, and positioned forengaging and/or directing a horse. Spurs generally have a yoke thatwraps partially around a rear portion of the boot and that is attachedto the boot by one or more straps. The yoke, or yoke straps, can befurther secured to the boot through the use of a spur stability system,constructed into the exterior structure of the boot. In variousembodiments, a spur stability system can include, independently or incombination: strap stability structures on the upper portion of the boot(e.g. on the vamp or shell) that have a coefficient of friction greaterthan that of the remainder of the upper that engages with parts of theyoke or straps and generally prevents unwanted movement of the yoke orstraps; strap stability structures on the outsole of the boot that havea coefficient of friction greater than that of the remainder of theoutsole that engages with parts of the yoke or straps and generallyprevents unwanted movement of the yoke or straps; and ridges, ribs, orprotrusions along the upper of the boot, which can provide for spaces inwhich the yoke or straps can rest and be secured, or can act as abiasing member against forces that may otherwise cause the spur or yoketo move in an unwanted direction while coupled to the boot.

FIGS. 1-7 provide illustrative, non-exclusive examples of a boot 10, orportions thereof, that include a spur stability system 150 according tothe present disclosure. Elements that serve a similar, or at leastsubstantially similar, purpose are labeled with like numbers in each ofFIGS. 1-7, and these elements may not be discussed in detail herein withreference to each of FIGS. 1-7. Similarly, all elements may not belabeled in each of FIGS. 1-7, but reference numerals associatedtherewith may be utilized herein for consistency. Elements, components,and/or features that are discussed herein with reference to one or moreof FIGS. 1-7 may be included in and/or utilized with any of FIGS. 1-7without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

In general, elements that are likely to be included in a given (i.e., aparticular) embodiment are illustrated in solid lines, while elementsthat are optional to a given embodiment are illustrated in dashed lines.However, elements that are shown in solid lines are not essential to allembodiments, and an element shown in solid lines may be omitted from aparticular embodiment without departing from the scope of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of illustrative, non-exclusiveexamples of a boot 10 that includes a spur stability system 150according to the present disclosure, while FIG. 2 is a schematicrepresentation of the boot of FIG. 1 with an attached spur 90. In FIGS.1-2, boot 10 includes an upper 20, an outsole 50, and spur stabilitysystem 150. Spur stability system 150 includes at least one strapstability structure 160, which is configured to resist motion of a spurstrap 94 relative to the boot when spur 90 is operatively attached tothe boot with the spur strap (as illustrated in FIG. 2). Spur stabilitysystem 150 optionally may include a spur rest 120 (which canalternatively be referred to as a spur ledge or a spur seat). Inaspects, the spur stability structure 160 can include more than one spurstrap 94, which in further aspects can include an upper spur strap 96and a lower spur strap 98.

Strap stability structure 160 may include an upper strap stabilitystructure 162 that may be operatively attached to, formed by, and/orform a portion of upper 20. Upper strap stability structure 162 may beselected, sized, designed, constructed, and/or configured to resist amotion of an upper spur strap 96 that may extend across and/or aroundupper 20 and in contact with the upper strap stability structure whenspur 90 is operatively attached to boot 10 (as illustrated in FIG. 2).As an illustrative, non-exclusive example, upper strap stabilitystructure 162 may project or otherwise extend from an external surface14 of boot 10 (or upper 20 thereof) to contact, interface with, and/ordecrease a motion of upper spur strap 96. As discussed herein, the upperstrap stability structure 162 may frictionally engage and limit relativesliding movement of the upper spur strap 96 relative to the externalsurface of the boot. Moreover, the upper strap stability structure 162may frictionally engage and limit relative sliding movement to a greaterextent than the portions of the external surface of the boot that areadjacent, and optionally immediately adjacent, to the upper strapstability structure 162.

Additionally or alternatively, strap stability structure 160 also mayinclude a lower strap stability structure 164 that may be operativelyattached to, formed by, and/or form a portion of outsole 50. Lower strapstability structure 164 may be selected, sized, designed, constructed,and/or configured to resist a motion of a lower spur strap 98 that mayextend across and/or around outsole 50 (or an arch region 65 thereof)and in contact with the lower strap stability structure when spur 90 isoperatively attached to boot 10 (as illustrated in FIG. 2). As anillustrative, non-exclusive example, lower strap stability structure 164may project or otherwise extend from external surface 14 of boot 10 (oran outer surface 68 of outsole 50) to contact, interface with, and/ordecrease a motion of lower spur strap 98. As discussed herein, the lowerstrap stability structure 164 may frictionally engage and limit relativesliding movement of the lower spur strap 98 relative to the externalsurface of the boot. Moreover, the lower strap stability structure 164may frictionally engage and limit relative sliding movement to a greaterextent than the portions of the external surface of the boot that areadjacent, and optionally immediately adjacent, to the lower strapstability structure 164.

Regardless of the location of strap stability structure 160 on and/orwithin boot 10, the strap stability structure 160 may include and/or bedefined by a stability structure material that is adapted, configured,formulated, synthesized, and/or selected to have a high coefficient ofstatic friction with spur strap(s) 94. As an illustrative, non-exclusiveexample, the coefficient of static friction between strap stabilitystructure 160 and strap(s) 94 may be greater than a coefficient ofstatic friction between strap(s) 94 and a remainder of boot 10, upper20, and/or outsole 50 at least a threshold multiple. As used herein,this “remainder” additionally or alternatively may be referred to as aconventional portion, an adjacent portion, an immediately adjacentportion, and/or a leather portion of the boot, upper, and/or outsoleagainst which a spur strap is in engagement during use of a boot withthe corresponding spur and/or against which the spur strap would be inengagement but for the presence of the strap stability structure 160. Asillustrative, non-exclusive examples, the coefficient of static frictionbetween strap stability structure 160 and strap(s) 94 may be at least 2,at least 3, at least 4, at least 5, at least 6, at least 8, or at least10 times larger than the coefficient of static friction between strap(s)94 and the remainder of boot 10, upper 20, and/or outsole 50.

As additional illustrative, non-exclusive examples, strap stabilitystructure 160 may include and/or be formed from a resilient material, aflexible material, an abrasion-resistant material, and/or ahigh-friction material. Additionally or alternatively, strap stabilitystructure 160 also may be formed from a material that grips spurstrap(s) 94 and/or conforms to a surface, or surface profile, of spurstrap(s) 94. As more specific but still illustrative, non-exclusiveexamples, strap stability structure 160 may include and/or be apolymeric material and/or an elastomeric material.

It is within the scope of the present disclosure that strap stabilitystructure 160 may include and/or define any suitable shape and/orconformation. For example, the strap stability structure 160 may includeat least one (and optionally a plurality of spaced-apart)strap-stabilizing and/or strap-retaining region, or surface, such as onthe top, side, and/or opposed sides of the upper's shell or vamp, and/oron the outsole, such as on the bottom surface, one side, and/or opposedsides of the outsole. As illustrative, non-exclusive examples (and asillustrated in FIG. 6 at 166), the strap stability structure 160 mayinclude and/or be a plurality of raised projections, a plurality ofraised ribs, a plurality of raised ridges, a plurality of spaced-apartprojections, a plurality of spaced-apart ribs, and/or a plurality ofspaced-apart ridges. As another illustrative, non-exclusive example,strap stability structure 160 also may be selected, sized, and/orconfigured to be compressed between spur strap(s) 94 and a remainder ofboot 10, such as to increase a friction between the strap stabilitystructure and the strap(s) and/or to decrease a potential for relativemotion between boot 10 and strap(s) 94.

As discussed, spur stability system 150 also may include spur rest 120,which also may be referred to herein as a spur rest 120. Spur rest 120may be selected, sized, and/or configured to support a yoke 92 of spur90 (as illustrated in FIG. 2). As an illustrative, non-exclusiveexample, spur rest 120 may be located at least partially between yoke 92and outsole 50, and spur rest 120 may be configured to resist motion ofa portion of the yoke 92 that is in contact with the spur rest towardoutsole 50. As another illustrative, non-exclusive example, spur rest120 may include and/or be a stop, rib, and/or other protrusion 122 thatextends from external surface 14 of boot 10.

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-2, boot 10 further may include anabrasion-resistant toe region 180 that is adapted, configured, and/orselected to resist damage to a toe region 182 of boot 10. As anillustrative, non-exclusive example, abrasion-resistant toe region 180may be formed from an abrasion-resistant material 184. As anotherillustrative, non-exclusive example, abrasion-resistant toe region 180may be formed from a different material than at least a portion of aremainder of upper 20 and/or may extend over and/or across the portionof the remainder of upper 20.

Upper 20 may include any suitable structure that is sized, designed,constructed, and/or configured to receive a wearer's foot and may beconstructed from any suitable material. This may include any suitableconventional upper that may be utilized in conventional boots. Asillustrative, non-exclusive examples, upper 20 may include a shaft 22and a shell (or vamp) 24, with shaft 22 permitting entry of the wearer'sfoot into shell 24 and encircling a lower portion of a wearer's leg whenthe wearer is wearing the boot, and with shell 24 housing the wearer'sfoot while the wearer is wearing boot 10. Typically, shaft 22 (whichadditionally or alternatively may be referred to as a chimney) willextend around at least an ankle and an Achilles portion of the wearer'slower leg, with some shafts extending to the wearer's mid-calf and/or toor toward the wearer's knee. As additional illustrative, non-exclusiveexamples, upper 20 may be constructed from naturally occurringmaterials, leather, cloth, synthetic materials, and/or polymers.Additional illustrative, non-exclusive examples of uppers 20 that may beutilized with and/or included in boots 10 according to the presentdisclosure are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,980,010, the completedisclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

Outsole 50 may include any suitable structure that is sized, designed,constructed, and/or configured to contact the ground surface when thewearer wears boots 10. This may include any suitable conventionaloutsole that may be utilized in conventional boots. As illustrated inFIGS. 1-2, outsole 50 may include and/or have attached thereto a heel,or heel cap, 52. Heel 52 may be described as a projecting heel, orprojecting heel cap, because it extends away from the shaft and definesan engagement surface 63, such as may be used to engage and position theboot within a stirrup. It is within the scope of the present disclosurethat outsole 50 may be formed and/or constructed from any suitablematerial, or combinations of materials, including naturally occurringmaterials, leather, rubber, synthetic materials, and/or polymers.Further, in some aspects, the structure of the heel 52 can include anextension that is functional as a spur rest 120. As indicated in FIG. 1,outsole 50 may include a shank 64, which supports an arch region 65 ofthe outsole, and may include and/or be used in combination with amidsole 66 and/or footbed 67, which (when present) are located closer tothe wearer's foot when the boot is worn than the remainder of theoutsole. The outer (i.e., ground contacting or bottom) surface 68 ofoutsole 50 and/or heel 52 may optionally include a tread structure.Illustrative, non-exclusive examples of outsoles 50 that may be includedin and/or utilized with boots 10 according to the present disclosure aredisclosed in U.S. Patent Application Publication Nos. 2010/0126044 and2011/0271553, the complete disclosures of which are hereby incorporatedby reference.

FIGS. 3-7 are schematic illustrations of non-exclusive examples of boots10 and/or spur stability systems 150 according to the present disclosurethat may include and/or be boots 10 and/or spur stability systems 150 ofFIGS. 1-2. In FIGS. 3-7 locations, orientations, and/or dimensions ofboots 10 and/or components thereof may be described in specific detail.These locations, orientations, and/or dimensions represent illustrative,non-exclusive examples of locations, orientations, and/or dimensionsaccording to the present disclosure, and boots 10 and/or componentsthereof according to the present disclosure are not limited to theillustrated locations, orientations, and/or dimensions (includingrelative dimensions).

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a non-exclusive example of a sideview of boot 10, while FIG. 4 is an opposed side view of the boot ofFIG. 3. As illustrated in FIGS. 3-4 and discussed herein, boots 10include an upper 20, an outsole 50, and spur stability system 150. Spurstability system 150 includes a spur rest 120 and strap stabilitystructure 160. Strap stability structure 160 includes upper strapstability structure 162 and lower strap stability structure 164. Inaspects, the strap stability structure 160 is made of a rubberized andabrasive material that can grip to spur straps and yoke structures.

In some aspects as shown, the upper strap stability structure 162includes a plurality of ridges (alternatively referred to as raisedribs, ridges, and/or projections) extending from the surface of theshell 24. The plurality of ridges defining the upper strap stabilitystructure 162 in such aspects can be of varying length and/or parallelrelative to each other. In other aspects, a plurality of ridges definingthe upper strap stability structure 162 can be of equal length and/ornon-parallel relative to each other. In some aspects, a plurality ofridges defining an upper strap stability structure 162 can include tworidges, three ridges, four ridges, five ridges, or more than fiveridges. In some embodiments, an upper strap stability structure 162 canhave portions on both the medial side of a boot 10 or shell 24 and onthe lateral side of a boot 10 or shell 24. In some aspects, theconfiguration of an upper strap stability structure 162 on the medialside of a shell 24 can be symmetrical to the configuration of the upperstrap stability structure 162 on the lateral side of a shell 24. Inother aspects, the configuration of an upper strap stability structure162 on the medial side of a shell 24 can be asymmetrical to theconfiguration of the upper strap stability structure 162 on the lateralside of a shell 24.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a non-exclusive example of a topview of a toe region 182 of boot 10 of FIGS. 3-4. Toe region 182 is anabrasion-resistant toe region 180 and includes a plurality of regionsthat are formed from an abrasion-resistant material 184. One or more ofthese abrasion-resistant regions, such as the illustrated region orregions distal from the toe region 182, may additionally oralternatively be or form a portion of a strap stability structure 160 ofa spur stability system 150.

In some embodiments, the abrasion-resistant material 184 can be attachedto the exterior of a portion of the shell 24 in the toe region 182,thereby forming an abrasion-resistant toe region 180. In some aspects,the abrasion-resistant material 184 can be sewn or welted to the shell.In other aspects, additionally or alternatively, an adhesive can be usedto attach the abrasion-resistant material 184 to the shell 24. In otherembodiments, the abrasion-resistant material 184 can be manufactured aspart of the shell 24. In embodiments as illustrated, theabrasion-resistant toe region 180 can include three distinct sections ofabrasion-resistant material 184. In other embodiments, theabrasion-resistant toe region 180 can be configured to have on sectionof abrasion-resistant material 184, two distinct sections ofabrasion-resistant material 184, or more than three distinct sections ofabrasion-resistant material 184. In embodiments as illustrated, theabrasion-resistant material 184 can span the full width of the shell 24across the toe region 182. In other embodiments, abrasion-resistantmaterial 184 can span a portion of the width of the shell 24 across thetoe region 182. For example, in some aspects, abrasion-resistantmaterial 184 can be present any one or a combination of on the medialside of a shell 24 in the toe region 182, on the lateral side of a shell24 in the toe region 182, and on the top surface of a shell 24 in thetoe region 182. The abrasion-resistant material 184 can be angled upwardalong the shape of the shell 24, and futher each section of theabrasion-resistant material 184 can have a particular length, asmeasured between the toe and the heel of the boot, where each elementindividually and in combination contributes to the ability of theabrasion-resistant material 184 to grip and secure spur straps and yokestructures.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of a non-exclusive example of anupper strap stability structure 162 according to the present disclosurethat may be operatively attached to boot 10 and/or to upper 20 thereof.As illustrated in FIG. 6, upper strap stability structure 162 includesand/or defines a plurality of spaced-apart raised ribs, ridges, and/orprojections 166 that may be sized to extend from a surface of upper 20and/or to contact upper spur strap 96 (as illustrated in FIG. 2).

In some aspects, as seen along the cross-sectional view 163 of the upperstrap stability structure 162 taken along the line A-A, where the upperstrap stability structure 162 is defined by a plurality of spaced-apartridges 166, the individual ridges can each extend about 0.5 mm to about3.5 mm from the surface of an upper. In other aspects, the individualridges can each be about 2.5 mm to about 3.5 mm in thickness (where thethickness of the ridge is measured along a primarily vertical axis of aboot 10). In further aspects, the individual ridges can have a widththat is about the length of a section of strap stability structure 160that is attached or adhered to a shell 24 (where the thickness of theridge is measured along a primarily longitudinal axis of a boot 10). Insome aspects, an individual ridge of a plurality of spaced-apart ridges166 can be about 0.5 cm to about 1.5 cm distant from an adjacentindividual ridge.

FIG. 7 is a schematic illustration of non-exclusive examples of an outersurface 68 of an outsole 50 that includes a lower strap stabilitystructure 164 according to the present disclosure. As illustrated inFIG. 7, lower strap stability structure 164 may be associated with,defined by, defined on, and/or operatively attached to any suitableportion of outer surface 68, such as a portion of outer surface 68 thatis within arch region 65.

In some aspects, the lower strap stability structure 164 can include aprojection that projects about 0.5 to 1.5 mm outward from the outersurface 68 of an outsole 50. In other aspects, a projection of the lowerstrap stability structure 164 can have a width (as measured between themedial and lateral sides of a boot 10) of from about 1 cm to about 4 cm.In further aspects, the lower strap stability structure 164 can includesections on either or both of the lateral and medial sides of theoutsole 50 that project inward toward the centerline of a boot 10,providing for spaces in which a lower spur strap 98 can secure or restwhen a spur 90 is attached to the boot 10.

As used herein, the term “and/or” placed between a first entity and asecond entity means one of (1) the first entity, (2) the second entity,and (3) the first entity and the second entity. Multiple entities listedwith “and/or” should be construed in the same manner, i.e., “one ormore” of the entities so conjoined. Other entities may optionally bepresent other than the entities specifically identified by the “and/or”clause, whether related or unrelated to those entities specificallyidentified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and/orB,” when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as“comprising” may refer, in one embodiment, to A only (optionallyincluding entities other than B); in another embodiment, to B only(optionally including entities other than A); in yet another embodiment,to both A and B (optionally including other entities). These entitiesmay refer to elements, actions, structures, steps, operations, values,and the like.

As used herein, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of oneor more entities should be understood to mean at least one entityselected from any one or more of the entity in the list of entities, butnot necessarily including at least one of each and every entityspecifically listed within the list of entities and not excluding anycombinations of entities in the list of entities. This definition alsoallows that entities may optionally be present other than the entitiesspecifically identified within the list of entities to which the phrase“at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those entitiesspecifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least oneof A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or,equivalently “at least one of A and/or B”) may refer, in one embodiment,to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no Bpresent (and optionally including entities other than B); in anotherembodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, withno A present (and optionally including entities other than A); in yetanother embodiment, to at least one, optionally including more than one,A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (andoptionally including other entities). In other words, the phrases “atleast one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions thatare both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each ofthe expressions “at least one of A, B and C,” “at least one of A, B, orC,” “one or more of A, B, and C,” “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B,and/or C” may mean A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and Ctogether, B and C together, A, B and C together, and optionally any ofthe above in combination with at least one other entity.

In the event that any patents, patent applications, or other referencesare incorporated by reference herein and (1) define a term in a mannerthat is inconsistent with and/or (2) are otherwise inconsistent with,either the non-incorporated portion of the present disclosure or any ofthe other incorporated references, the non-incorporated portion of thepresent disclosure shall control, and the term or incorporateddisclosure therein shall only control with respect to the reference inwhich the term is defined and/or the incorporated disclosure was presentoriginally.

As used herein the terms “adapted” and “configured” mean that theelement, component, or other subject matter is designed and/or intendedto perform a given function. Thus, the use of the terms “adapted” and“configured” should not be construed to mean that a given element,component, or other subject matter is simply “capable of” performing agiven function but that the element, component, and/or other subjectmatter is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized,programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the function.It is also within the scope of the present disclosure that elements,components, and/or other recited subject matter that is recited as beingadapted to perform a particular function may additionally oralternatively be described as being configured to perform that function,and vice versa. Similarly, subject matter that is recited as beingconfigured to perform a particular function may additionally oralternatively be described as being operative to perform that function.

As used herein, the terms “medial” and “medial side” refer to the innerside of a foot extending from the large toe to the heel, and the terms“lateral” and “lateral side” refer to the outer side of the footextending from the small toe to the heel. Similarly, articles offootwear include medial and lateral sides that conform to the medial andlateral sides, respectively, of the foot. The term “centerline” refersto the major longitudinal axis along the length of an article offootwear, centered between the medial and lateral sides of the footweararticle.

It is believed that the disclosure set forth above encompasses multipledistinct inventions with independent utility having applicability to thefootwear industry. While each of these inventions has been disclosed inits preferred form, the specific embodiments thereof as disclosed andillustrated herein are not to be considered in a limiting sense asnumerous variations are possible. The subject matter of the inventionsincludes all novel and non-obvious combinations and subcombinations ofthe various elements, features, functions and/or properties disclosedherein. Similarly, when the disclosure, the preceding numberedparagraphs, or subsequently filed claims recite “a” or “a first” elementor the equivalent thereof, such claims should be understood to includeincorporation of one or more such elements, neither requiring norexcluding two or more such elements.

Applicant reserves the right to submit claims directed to certaincombinations and subcombinations that are directed to one of thedisclosed inventions and are believed to be novel and non-obvious.Inventions embodied in other combinations and subcombinations offeatures, functions, elements and/or properties may be claimed throughamendment of those claims or presentation of new claims in that or arelated application. Such amended or new claims, whether they aredirected to a different invention or directed to the same invention,whether different, broader, narrower or equal in scope to the originalclaims, are also regarded as included within the subject matter of theinventions of the present disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A boot, comprising: an upper that defines a shaftand a shell and is configured to receive a wearer's foot; an outsolethat is operatively attached to the upper and configured to contact aground surface when the wearer wears the boot; and a spur stabilitysystem that includes at least one strap stability structure that isconfigured to resist motion of a spur strap relative to the boot when aspur is operatively attached to the boot with the spur strap.
 2. Theboot of claim 1, wherein the strap stability structure includes an upperstrap stability structure that forms a portion of the upper.
 3. The bootof claim 2, wherein the upper strap stability structure is configured toresist motion of an upper spur strap that, when present, extends acrossthe upper in contact with the upper strap stability structure.
 4. Theboot of claim 2, wherein the upper strap stability structure extendsfrom a surface of the upper to contact the upper spur strap.
 5. The bootof claim 1, wherein the strap stability structure includes an upperstrap stability structure that is operatively attached to the upper. 6.The boot of claim 1, wherein the strap stability structure includes alower strap stability structure that forms a portion of the outsole. 7.The boot of claim 5, wherein the lower strap stability structure isconfigured to resist motion of a lower spur strap that, when present,extends across the outsole in contact with the lower strap stabilitystructure.
 8. The boot of claim 5, wherein the lower strap stabilitystructure extends from a surface of the outsole to contact the lowerspur strap.
 9. The boot of claim 1, wherein the strap stabilitystructure includes a lower strap stability structure that is operativelyattached to the outsole.
 10. The boot of claim 1, wherein the spurstability system further includes a spur rest that is configured tosupport a yoke of the spur.
 11. The boot of claim 10, wherein the spurrest is located at least partially between the yoke and the outsole whenthe spur is operatively attached to the boot.
 12. The boot of claim 10,wherein the spur rest is sized to resist motion toward the outsole by aportion of the yoke that is in contact with the spur seat.
 13. The bootof claim 10, wherein the spur rest is defined by a protrusion thatextends from a surface of the boot.
 14. The boot of claim 1, wherein theboot further includes an abrasion-resistant toe region that is selectedto resist damage to a toe region of the boot.
 15. The boot of claim 14,wherein the abrasion-resistant toe region is formed from anabrasion-resistant material that is operatively attached to the upper.16. The boot of claim 14, wherein the abrasion-resistant toe region isformed from a different material than at least a portion of a remainderof the upper.
 17. The boot of claim 1, wherein the strap stabilitystructure is defined by a stability structure material that is selectedto have a high coefficient of static friction with the spur strap. 18.The boot of claim 17, wherein a coefficient of static friction betweenthe stability structure material and the spur strap is at least athreshold multiple larger than a coefficient of static friction betweena remainder of the upper and the spur strap, wherein the thresholdmultiple is at least 2 times larger than the coefficient of staticfriction between the remainder of the upper and the spur strap.
 19. Theboot of claim 17, wherein a coefficient of static friction between thestability structure material and the spur strap is at least a thresholdmultiple larger than a coefficient of static friction between aremainder of the upper and the spur strap, wherein the thresholdmultiple is at least 3 times larger than the coefficient of staticfriction between the remainder of the upper and the spur strap.
 20. Theboot of claim 17, wherein a coefficient of static friction between thestability structure material and the spur strap is at least a thresholdmultiple larger than a coefficient of static friction between aremainder of the upper and the spur strap, wherein the thresholdmultiple is at least 5 times larger than the coefficient of staticfriction between the remainder of the upper and the spur strap.
 21. Theboot of claim 17, wherein a coefficient of static friction between thestability structure material and the spur strap is at least a thresholdmultiple larger than a coefficient of static friction between aremainder of the upper and the spur strap, wherein the thresholdmultiple is at least 10 times larger than the coefficient of staticfriction between the remainder of the upper and the spur strap.
 22. Theboot of claim 1, wherein the strap stability structure is formed from atleast one of a resilient material, a flexible material, anabrasion-resistant material, and a high-friction material.
 23. The bootof claim 1, wherein the strap stability structure is formed from amaterial that grips the spur strap.
 24. The boot of claim 1, wherein thestrap stability structure is formed from a material that conforms to asurface of the spur strap.
 25. The boot of claim 1, wherein the strapstability structure is formed from at least one of a polymeric materialand an elastomeric material.
 26. The boot of claim 1, wherein the strapstability structure defines a plurality of raised projections.
 27. Theboot of claim 1, wherein the strap stability structure defines aplurality of raised ribs.
 28. The boot of claim 1, wherein the strapstability structure defines a plurality of raised ridges.
 29. The bootof claim 1, wherein the strap stability structure is configured to becompressed between the spur strap and the boot.